Changing Places | Glossary (A-G)

accessibility

how easy it is to travel to a place or interact with an individual

attachment

a sense of binding to a particular location due to positive and intense experiences

built environment

the buildings and infrastructure within an urban area

capital

productive assets, goods, or financial stakes

commuter

an individual who regularly travels a distance between their residence and their employment

cultural enrichment

the addition of ideas, traditions, and beliefs due to the arrival of new people

culture

the way of life, customs, and beliefs of a particular group of people at a particular time

demographic

the characteristics of a population

deprivation

when individuals lack basic services or objects they would expect to have in the 21st century

diversity

variation within a population in their characteristics, background, and behaviour

endogenous factors

factors based on local characteristics or perspectives originating from inside the place

ethnicity

the cultural background of a group of people, often based on religion or country of origin

ethnic clustering

residential areas with similar cultures, ethnicities, or religions, often to avoid isolation or to live locally to special services and facilities (e.g., places of worship, local shops)

exogenous factors

factors based on characteristics or perspectives originating from outside the place

experienced places

locations a person has visited in their lifetime

far places

places that feel distant, physically or emotionally

genius loci

the “spirit” of a place, based on its history, culture, and daily atmosphere

gentrification

the renovation of older/deteriorating buildings or areas with the aim of attracting high income individuals or elite businesses to a place

governance

the management of a place or a group of people